of the book introduces a melancholic tone as it transitions into the "militant" phase of Marie-Antoinette's life. It begins by examining her declining popularity against the backdrop of the enthusiastic but naive hopes of the French populace in 1789. The narrative describes the ceremonial opening of the États généraux, where the Queen was met with indifference and suspicion, personifying the growing backlash against the monarchy. We see Marie-Antoinette grappling with foreboding and despair, particularly in her reactions to the distressing loss of her son, the Dauphin. This sets the stage for a broader exploration of the political strife and personal tragedies that accompanied this pivotal moment in French history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)